Human interference, lack of planning led to Kodagu calamity during August rains: Scientists

Madikeri, Nov 16: Not the nature, but the hand of man through deforestation and concretisation, and lack of planning responsible for the wide-spread devastation during heavy monsoon rains in Kodagu district in August this year, according to a team of scientists who conducted a detailed study in the calamity-hit region.

The second and final report by Geological Survey of India (GSI) — which is similar to the preliminary survey report — states that the ecological damages made by humans led to the unprecedented devastation in the eco-sensitive hilly terrain of the district. The report ruled out the role of tremors that had hit the district then.

During their visit to landslide-prone areas of the district in the first week September, GSI director K V Maruthi and senior geologists Ankur Kumar Srivastava and Sunandan Basu had recorded details on 85 landslides.

The preliminary data was submitted to DC Sreevidya P I in September-end, while the second survey began during the same time. Its report submitted to the state government now infers human interference and the lack of planning as the main causes for the landslides.

The team has made many observations across Kodagu that have resulted in the calamity: improper and inadequate drainage systems, lack of channelised run-off water network on slopes, high-slope gradient, saturation due to materials, cloudburst, lack of retaining wall and the like. Heavy vehicular movement and the lack of sustainable planning are mentioned as the major causes for road-slides near Madikeri. The recommendations made by the team highlight the implementation of proper drainage systems across the devastated areas, especially in north Kodagu.

The team suggests proper channelization of slope run-off water at unstable zones in order to avoid development of pore-water pressures that could even damage supporting structures. “Proper substrate for roads should be designed and competent road-building materials (RBMs) should be used which can withstand load due to heavy vehicular movement,” the report added.

Other suggestions pertain to growing plantation and vegetation which absorb more water and putting in place systems in landslide-prone areas. “Settlements and areas which have high-gradient slopes should be considered for Slope Stability Assessment Study in future so as to ensure safety,” the report stated.